Species spatial reconstruction for exhaust system using spectroscopy and tomography

ABSTRACT

A system for species concentration spatial reconstruction for an exhaust system includes an emitter, a detector, and a controller. The emitter is coupled to a first portion of the exhaust system and tuned to a specific wavelength of a species to be measured. The detector is coupled to a second portion of the exhaust system opposite to the first portion such that the detector is positioned to detect a beam attenuation of a beam from the emitter. The controller is configured to receive a plurality of beam attenuation measurements from the detector and to generate a cross-sectional species concentration map based on the plurality of beam attenuation measurements.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of selectivecatalytic reduction (SCR) systems for an exhaust system. Morespecifically, the present application relates to non-intrusive speciesspatial reconstruction for an exhaust system.

BACKGROUND

For internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines, nitrogen oxide(NO_(x)) compounds may be emitted in the exhaust. To reduce NO_(x)emissions, a SCR process may be implemented to convert the NO_(x)compounds into more neutral compounds, such as diatomic nitrogen, water,or carbon dioxide, with the aid of a catalyst and a reductant. Thecatalyst may be included in a catalyst chamber of an exhaust system,such as that of a vehicle or power generation unit. A reductant, such asanhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonia, or urea is typically introduced intothe exhaust gas flow prior to the catalyst chamber. To introduce thereductant into the exhaust gas flow for the SCR process, an SCR systemmay dose or otherwise introduce the reductant through a dosing modulethat vaporizes or sprays the reductant into an exhaust pipe of theexhaust system up-stream of the catalyst chamber.

In operation, the injected reductant and exhaust gas typically mix in adecomposition reaction chamber or tube such that the injected reductantcan be processed into ammonia and mix with the NO_(x) of the exhaustgas. To maximize reduction of NO_(x) emissions by the SCR catalyst, asubstantially constant ammonia to NOx ratio (ANR) distributionthroughout a cross-section prior to the SCR catalyst may be preferred.Depending on how the reductant is dosed, the configuration of a dosingmodule and/or decomposition reaction chamber or tube, and/or otherfactors, the resulting exhaust gas-reductant composition can vary alongthe exhaust system and at cross-sections of the exhaust system. This mayresult in a variable ANR distribution along the exhaust system and atcross-sections of the exhaust system.

SUMMARY

One implementation relates to a system for species concentration spatialreconstruction for an exhaust system. The system includes an emittercoupled to a first portion of the exhaust system. The emitter is tunedto a specific wavelength of a species to be measured. The system furtherincludes a detector coupled to a second portion of the exhaust system.The detector is opposite to the first portion and positioned to detect abeam attenuation of a beam from the emitter. The system still furtherincludes a controller configured to receive a plurality of beamattenuation measurements from the detector and to generate across-sectional species concentration map based on the plurality of beamattenuation measurements.

Another implementation relates to an apparatus for NH₃ concentrationspatial reconstruction for an exhaust system. The apparatus includes anemitter coupled to a first portion of the exhaust system. The emitter istuned to a specific wavelength of NH₃. The apparatus also includes adetector coupled to a second portion of the exhaust system. The detectoris opposite to the first portion and positioned to detect a beamattenuation of a beam from the emitter. The apparatus further includes acontroller configured to receive a plurality of beam attenuationmeasurements from the detector and to generate a cross-sectional NH₃concentration map based on the plurality of beam attenuationmeasurements.

Yet a further implementation relates to a method for speciesconcentration spatial reconstruction for an exhaust system. The methodincludes receiving a plurality of beam attenuation measurements from adetector coupled to an exhaust system. The detector detects a beamattenuation of an emitter tuned to a specific wavelength of a species tobe measured. The method further includes generating a sinogram based onthe plurality of beam attenuation measurements. A cross-sectionalspecies concentration map is generated based on an inverse RadonTransform of the generated sinogram.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from thedescription, the drawings, and the claims, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of a selective catalytic reductionsystem having a reductant delivery system for an exhaust system and anabsorption spectroscopy measurement system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration for anabsorption spectroscopy measurement system for an exhaust system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another example configuration for anabsorption spectroscopy measurement system for an exhaust system;

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a cross-sectional speciesconcentration of an example sample;

FIG. 5 is a graph of an example parallel projection for the measuredattenuation of the example sample;

FIG. 6 is a graph of an example sinogram generated for the examplesample;

FIG. 7 is a graph of an inverse Radon Transform of the sinogram of FIG.5; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example method for generating an inverseRadon Transform for an example sample.

It will be recognized that some or all of the figures are schematicrepresentations for purposes of illustration. The figures are providedfor the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with theexplicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope orthe meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various conceptsrelated to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systemsfor non-intrusive species spatial reconstruction using absorptionspectroscopy and tomography. The various concepts introduced above anddiscussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerousways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular mannerof implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applicationsare provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

I. Overview

To maximize reduction of NO_(x) emissions by the SCR catalyst, asubstantially constant ANR distribution throughout a cross-section priorto the SCR catalyst may be preferred. Depending on how the reductant isdosed, the configuration of a dosing module and/or decompositionreaction chamber or tube, and/or other factors, the resulting exhaustgas-reductant composition can vary along the exhaust system and atcross-sections of the exhaust system. This may result in a variable ANRdistribution along the exhaust system and at cross-sections of theexhaust system. Thus, various systems and methods are provided hereinfor determining the ANR distribution to evaluate exhaust system and/orcomponent designs, detect obstructions or other problems within existingexhaust systems, indirectly determine the wear on components of existingexhaust system, and/or otherwise assist in improving or diagnosingproblems with an exhaust system.

Measuring ammonia, NH₃, can be an indirect measure of an ANRdistribution assuming NO_(x) distribution within an exhaust system issubstantially uniform. Accordingly, it may be useful to provide anammonia measurement system that can measure the ammonia distribution ata cross-sectional area of the exhaust. Such distributions may bemeasured at any point of the exhaust system, such as upstream ordownstream of a catalyst (e.g., a SCR catalyst, a hydrolysis catalyst,etc.). In some implementations, such measurements utilize probesinserted into the exhaust system. Such probes can be maneuvered tovarious points within the exhaust system to measure the concentration ofammonia and the discrete measured points can be used with algorithms tosubstantially reconstruct the ammonia distribution (and therefore theANR distribution) within the exhaust system. However, such probes maydisrupt the exhaust gas-reductant composition flow within the exhaustsystem, thereby potentially altering the resulting ANR distribution.

In some implementations, absorption spectroscopy may be utilized todetect the amount of ammonia present within an exhaust system. Forinstance, a laser emitter and a detector may be positioned at opposingsides of a portion of the exhaust system, either at a portion of anexisting exhaust system or on a testing unit that may be inserted intoan exhaust system. The laser emitter may be tuned to a specificwavelength of the species of interest, such as ammonia.

II. Overview of Aftertreatment System

FIG. 1 depicts an aftertreatment system 100 having an example reductantdelivery system 110 for an exhaust system 190. The aftertreatment system100 includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) 102, the reductantdelivery system 110, a decomposition reaction chamber or reactor 104,and a SCR catalyst 106.

The DPF 102 is configured to remove particulate matter, such as soot,from exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust system 190. The DPF 102 includesan inlet, where the exhaust gas is received, and an outlet, where theexhaust gas exits after having particulate matter substantially filteredfrom the exhaust gas and/or converting the particulate matter intocarbon dioxide.

The decomposition reaction chamber 104 is configured to convert areductant, such as urea, aqueous ammonia, or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF),into ammonia. The decomposition reaction chamber 104 includes areductant delivery system 110 having a dosing module 112 configured todose the reductant into the decomposition reaction chamber 104. In someimplementations, the urea, aqueous ammonia, DEF is injected upstream ofthe SCR catalyst 106. The reductant droplets then undergo the processesof evaporation, thermolysis, and hydrolysis to form gaseous ammoniawithin the exhaust system 190. The decomposition chamber 104 includes aninlet in fluid communication with the DPF 102 to receive the exhaust gascontaining NO_(x) emissions and an outlet for the exhaust gas, NO_(x)emissions, ammonia, and/or remaining reductant to flow to the SCRcatalyst 106.

The decomposition chamber 104 includes the dosing module 112 mounted tothe decomposition reaction chamber 104 such that the dosing module 112may dose a reductant, such as urea, aqueous ammonia, or DEF, into theexhaust gases flowing in the exhaust system 190. The dosing module 112may each include an insulator 114 interposed between a portion of thedosing module 112 and the portion of the decomposition reaction chamber104 to which the dosing module 112 is mounted. The dosing module 112 isfluidly coupled to one or more reductant sources 116. In someimplementations, a pump (not shown) may be used to pressurize thereductant source 116 for delivery to the dosing module 112.

The dosing module 112 is also electrically or communicatively coupled toa controller (not shown). The controller is configured to control thedosing module 112 to dose reductant into the decomposition reactionchamber 104. The controller may include a microprocessor, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmablegate array (FPGA), etc., or combinations thereof. The controller mayinclude memory which may include, but is not limited to, electronic,optical, magnetic, or any other storage or transmission device capableof providing a processor, ASIC, FPGA, etc. with program instructions.The memory may include a memory chip, Electrically Erasable ProgrammableRead-Only Memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read only memory(EPROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory from which thecontroller can read instructions. The instructions may include code fromany suitable programming language.

The SCR catalyst 106 is configured to assist in the reduction of NO_(x)emissions by accelerating a NO_(x) reduction process between the ammoniaand the NO_(x) of the exhaust gas into diatomic nitrogen, water, and/orcarbon dioxide. The SCR catalyst 106 includes inlet in fluidcommunication with the decomposition reaction chamber 104 from whichexhaust gas and reductant is received and an outlet in fluidcommunication with an end 192 of the exhaust system 190.

The exhaust system 190 may further include a diesel oxidation catalyst(DOC) in fluid communication with the exhaust system 190 (e.g.,downstream of the SCR catalyst 106 or upstream of the DPF 102) tooxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas.

The exhaust system 190 further includes an absorption spectroscopymeasurement system 120. The absorption spectroscopy measurement system120 may be located at any point on the exhaust system 190, such asupstream and/or downstream of a catalyst, or the absorption spectroscopymeasurement system 120 may be utilized with any other system having afluid flowing therein. The absorption spectroscopy measurement system120 includes an emitter 122 and a detector 124. Species uniformitymeasurement, such as uniformity of ammonia within the exhaust system190, has become an important consideration to evaluate an emissionsdevice on how a species distribution on a catalyst affects systemperformance. Species uniformity utilizes knowledge of the twodimensional concentration profiles for each species. The absorptionspectroscopy measurement system 120 is a non-interfering, non-intrusivesystem 120 that can increase both the accuracy and the speed of speciesuniformity measurement. Each species has a specific absorption profilethat allows it to be identified and determine its concentration. FourierTransform-Infrared (FTIR) system uses this principle. The emitter 122may include an infrared (IR)-laser that is configured and tuned tomeasure NH₃, for example, HNCO, or any other species to be detected bythe absorption spectroscopy measurement system 120. The emitter 122creates a beam at the specific wavelength as NH₃, HNCO, or any otherspecies to be detected. This beam shines through the exhaust gas withinthe exhaust system 190 and the detector 124 measures the relativestrength of the beam from the emitter 122. The intensity of the beamlost can then be correlated to the species' concentration within theexhaust gas from the emitter 122 to the detector 124. This beamattenuation can be measured at several different angles and/or linearlocations to develop the two dimensional concentration profiles, as willbe discussed in greater detail herein.

The absorption spectroscopy measurement system 120 can include a smallinterrogation window formed through the exhaust system 190 at theemitter 122 and the detector 124 to permit the laser beam through. Insome implementations, the absorption spectroscopy measurement system 120may be mounted directly to the exhaust system 190 by forming theinterrogation windows in opposing sides of an exhaust tube of theexhaust system 190. The emitter 122 and detector 124 may then be mounted(e.g., via mounting hardware, such as bolts, screws, clamps, etc.) andadjusted to allow the beam from the emitter 122 to be detected by thedetector 124. In some instances, an insulator may be provided toinsulate the emitter 122 and/or detector 124 from heat from the exhaustsystem 190. In other implementations, a sealant may be included to sealthe exhaust system 190 to substantially prevent exhaust gases fromescaping. In some implementations, a clear ring, such as a glass ring,may be inserted into a portion of the exhaust system 190 such thatinterrogation windows may be omitted. The emitter 122 and detector 124may be mounted outside of the clear ring on opposing sides.

In other implementations, the absorption spectroscopy measurement system120 may be a separate component that may be inserted into the exhaustsystem 190. For instance, the absorption spectroscopy measurement system120 may include an exhaust tube portion that may be attached upstream ofthe SCR catalyst 106 and that includes the interrogation windows for theemitter 122 and/or detector 124. In some implementations, the exhausttube portion may have several interrogation windows that may be used forthe emitter 122 and/or detector 124 and that may be selectively sealedwhen not in use.

Once a sufficient amount of beam attenuation measurements have beentaken using the emitter 122 and detector 124, the set of detected beamattenuation data may be used by a controller or data analysis system togenerate a sinogram using tomography algorithms. Tomography is the fieldof repeatedly imaging sections using a penetrating wave and then usingvarious algorithms to reconstruct a cross-sectional view of the subjectof the penetrating waves. By combining spectroscopy and tomography usingthe detected beam attenuation from the emitter 122 and detector 124, asinogram is created that shows the total attenuation of each measurementin terms of a linear and radial component. Once enough measurements aremade in both the linear and radial coordinate systems, the sinogram isfully constructed to reveal the concentration of the species. Usingvarious tomography algorithms, such as Radon transforms, fan-beamprojections, etc., the two dimensional cross-sectional view of thespecies can be re-created and analyzed.

III. Example Absorption Spectroscopy Measurement Systems

FIG. 2 depicts an example configuration for an absorption spectroscopymeasurement system 200 for the exhaust system 190 of FIG. 1. Theabsorption spectroscopy measurement system 200 includes an emitter 202and a detector 204. The emitter 202 and the detector 204 areelectrically coupled to a controller 220 or data analysis system that isconfigured control the emitter 202 and receive the detected beamattenuation from the detector 204. The emitter 202 may include anIR-laser that is configured and tuned to measure NH₃, for example, HNCO,or any other species to be detected by the absorption spectroscopymeasurement system 200. The emitter 202 creates a beam 210 at thespecific wavelength as NH₃, HNCO, or any other species to be detected.This beam 210 extends through a fluid, such as the exhaust gas within anexhaust pipe portion 212, and the detector 204 measures the relativestrength of the beam 210 from the emitter 202. It should be understoodthat the absorption spectroscopy measurement system 200 may be used withany other fluids and/or systems and is not limited to exhaust gas and/oran exhaust system. The intensity of the beam 210 lost from the emitter202 to the detector 204 can be correlated to the species' concentrationwithin the exhaust gas from the emitter 202 to the detector 204. Thisbeam attenuation can be measured at several different angles and/orlinear locations to develop the two dimensional concentration profiles.Interrogation windows 206, 208 are formed in the exhaust pipe portion212 to permit the beam 210 emitted from the emitter 202 to go throughthe exhaust gas and be detected by the detector 204. The interrogationwindows 206, 208 may be sized large enough to permit the beam 210 topass through, but small enough to reduce the amount of exhaust gas thatmay leak out.

In some implementations, the exhaust pipe portion 212 may be clocked(i.e., rotated) a predetermined angle amount, such as 5 degrees, 10degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40degrees, 45 degrees, etc., relative to the remainder of the exhaustsystem such that a subsequent sample of the beam attenuation may bemeasured at a subsequent angle. In some implementations, the emitter 202and detector 204 may be moved to other linear locations to develop thetwo-dimensional concentration profiles. Once enough measurements aremade in both the radial and linear coordinate systems, a sinogram isconstructed that reveals the concentration of the species, e.g., NH₃,HNCO, or any other species to be detected. Various tomography algorithmsmay be applied to the sinogram data by the controller 220, such as Radontransforms, fan-beam projections, etc., to re-create a cross-sectionalview of the species based on the measured beam attenuation values andlocation data.

FIG. 3 depicts another absorption spectroscopy measurement system 300for the exhaust system 190 of FIG. 1. The absorption spectroscopymeasurement system 300 includes an emitter 302 and a detector 304. Theemitter 302 and detector 304 are electrically coupled to a controller320 or data analysis system that is configured control the emitter 302and receive the detected beam attenuation from the detector 304. Theemitter 302 may include an IR-laser that is configured and tuned tomeasure NH₃, for example, HNCO, or any other species to be detected bythe absorption spectroscopy measurement system 300. The emitter 302creates a beam 310 at the specific wavelength as NH₃, HNCO, or any otherspecies to be detected. This beam 310 extends through the exhaust gaswithin an inner exhaust pipe portion 314 and the detector 304 measuresthe relative strength of the beam 310 from the emitter 302. Theintensity of the beam 310 lost can then be correlated to the species'concentration within the exhaust gas from the emitter 302 to thedetector 304. This beam attenuation can be measured at several differentangles and/or linear locations to develop the two dimensionalconcentration profiles. Main interrogation windows 306, 308 are formedin an outer exhaust pipe portion 312 to permit the beam 310 emitted fromthe emitter 302 to go through the exhaust gas and be detected by thedetector 304. The main interrogation windows 306, 308 may be sized largeenough to permit the beam 310 to pass through, but small enough toreduce the amount of exhaust gas that may leak out. In the exampleshown, an inner exhaust pipe portion 314 may include several innerinterrogation windows 316 are predetermined angles, such as 5 degrees,10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees,40 degrees, 45 degrees, etc. Thus, the outer exhaust pipe portion 312may be rotated relative to the inner exhaust pipe portion to align themain interrogation windows 306, 308 with another set of innerinterrogation windows 316. A subsequent sample of the beam attenuationmay be measured at the subsequent angle. In some implementations, theemitter 302 and detector 304 may be moved to other linear locations todevelop the two-dimensional concentration profiles. Once enoughmeasurements are made in both the radial and linear coordinate systems,a sinogram is constructed that reveals the concentration of the species,e.g., NH₃, HNCO, or any other species to be detected. Various tomographyalgorithms may be applied to the sinogram data by the controller 320,such as Radon transforms, fan-beam projections, etc., to re-create across-sectional view of the species based on the measured beamattenuation values and location data.

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation 400 of a cross-sectional speciesconcentration, such as NH₃ concentration within an exhaust system. Theexample cross-sectional species concentration depicts regions of highspecies concentration and low species concentration (e.g., regionswithin the exhaust where there is a high concentration of ammonia andlow concentrations). The graphical representation 400 shows across-sectional area spanning from −5 inches in the Y-axis to +5 inchesin the Y-axis and −5 inches in the X-axis and +5 inches in the X-axis.The graphical representation 400 may, in some implementations, be for acylindrical exhaust gas pipe.

FIG. 5 is a graph 500 of an example parallel projection for measuredattenuation samples of the example sample of FIG. 4 taken at 0 degreesand along the Y-axis from −5 inches to +5 inches. The graph 500 showsthe attenuation, I, varying along the Y-axis and corresponding to thehigh and low concentrations of species from the graphical representation400 of a cross-sectional species concentration of FIG. 4. A set ofattenuation parallel projections can be received by a controller, suchas controller 220, 320 of FIGS. 2 and 3, and used to generate asinogram, such as sinogram 600 of FIG. 6, using tomography. The sinogram600 includes measurements of attenuation in the Y-axis from −5 inches to+5 inches and from 0 degrees through substantially 180 degrees. In someimplementations, the sinogram 600 may be generated with discretemeasurements, such as measurements at each Y-axis inch from −5 inches,inclusive, to +5 inches, inclusive and at predetermined angular degrees,such as at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and/or 180 degrees. Using the data fromthe sinogram 600, an inverse Radon Transform may be applied, such as bycontroller 220, 320, to the sinogram data to generate a depiction 700 ofthe cross-sectional species concentration measured by the beamattenuation shown in FIG. 7. The depiction 700 of the cross-sectionalspecies concentration is substantially similar to the graphicalrepresentation 400 of the cross-sectional species concentration of FIG.4. The cross-sectional species concentration may be used to evaluateexhaust system and/or component designs, detect obstructions or otherproblems within existing exhaust systems, indirectly determine the wearon components of existing exhaust system, and/or otherwise assist inimproving or diagnosing problems with an exhaust system.

FIG. 8 depicts an example method 800 for generating an inverse RadonTransform for a cross-section of an exhaust system. The method includesreceiving a plurality of beam attenuation measurements for an exhaustsystem (block 810). The plurality of beam attenuation measurements maybe received by a controller, such as controller 220, 320, from adetector, such as detector 124, 204, 304, detecting the beam attenuationfrom an emitter 122, 202, 302 tuned to the specific wavelength of aspecies of interest. For an exhaust system, the emitter 122, 202, 302may be tuned to the specific wavelength for NH₃, HNCO, or any otherspecies to be detected. The plurality of beam attenuation measurementsmay be at predetermined positions, such as predetermined angular degreesof 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and/or 180 degrees and predetermined linearpositions relative to the exhaust system cross-section.

The method 800 further includes generating a sinogram based on theplurality of beam attenuation measurements (block 820). In someimplementations, the controller, such as controller 220, 320, may beconfigured to receive and store, such as in a tangible andnon-transitory computer-readable medium, the plurality of beamattenuation measurements. Once sufficient beam attenuation measurementshave been received, the controller may generate a sinogram based on thebeam measurements.

The method still further includes generating an inverse Radon Transformbased on the sinogram (block 830). The controller, such as controller220, 320, may apply an inverse Radon Transform algorithm or othertomography algorithm to generate a cross-sectional species concentrationmap, such as that shown in FIG. 7. In some implementations, thegenerated cross-sectional species concentration map may be output to avisual display for viewing, stored for later usage, and/or otherwiseused. In some implementations, data representative of thecross-sectional species concentration map based on the inverse RadonTransform may be outputted to an output device (block 840). The outputdevice may include a diagnostic system or diagnostic tool. For instance,the diagnostic system may be an on-vehicle diagnostic system, anoff-vehicle diagnostic system (e.g., a service diagnostic system),and/or a test diagnostic system (e.g., a testing system for testingvarious exhaust configurations). In other implementations, the outputdevice may be a monitor, a component associated with an engine in fluidcommunication with the exhaust system, a component associated with theexhaust system, etc. The outputted data may be used to modify an exhaustsystem configuration, modify a configuration setting for the exhaustsystem, modify one or more settings for components affecting theexhaust, modify an injection pressure of a doser, switch a urea doserfrom an air-assisted mode to an airless mode or vice versa. In someimplementations, the absorption spectroscopy measurement system may beutilized with a burner rig, an engine, a fan system, a test apparatusthat generates mass flow, etc. Thus, it should be understood that theabsorption spectroscopy measurement systems described herein are notlimited to engines and/or exhaust systems, but can be utilized with anysystem to analyze uniformity in a flow.

The term “controller” encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, andmachines for processing data, including by way of example a programmableprocessor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, a portionof a programmed processor, or combinations of the foregoing. Theapparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA oran ASIC. The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, codethat creates an execution environment for the computer program inquestion, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocolstack, a database management system, an operating system, across-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combinationof one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment canrealize various different computing model infrastructures, such asdistributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astandalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup languagedocument), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or inmultiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules,sub programs, or portions of code).

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particularimplementations. Certain features described in this specification in thecontext of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresdescribed in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, the separation of various systemcomponents in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated in a single product or packaged into multipleproducts embodied on tangible media.

As utilized herein, the term “substantially”, and similar terms areintended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and acceptedusage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matterof this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skillin the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended toallow a description of certain features described and claimed withoutrestricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical rangesprovided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicatingthat insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations ofthe subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within thescope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. Additionally,it is noted that limitations in the claims should not be interpreted asconstituting “means plus function” limitations under the United Statespatent laws in the event that the term “means” is not used therein.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components orthe two components and any additional intermediate components beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo components or the two components and any additional intermediatecomponents being attached to one another.

The terms “fluidly coupled,” “in fluid communication,” and the like asused herein mean the two components or objects have a pathway formedbetween the two components or objects in which a fluid, such as water,air, gaseous reductant, gaseous ammonia, etc., may flow, either with orwithout intervening components or objects. Examples of fluid couplingsor configurations for enabling fluid communication may include piping,channels, or any other suitable components for enabling the flow of afluid from one component or object to another.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thesystem shown in the various exemplary implementations is illustrativeonly and not restrictive in character. All changes and modificationsthat come within the spirit and/or scope of the describedimplementations are desired to be protected. It should be understoodthat some features may not be necessary and implementations lacking thevarious features may be contemplated as within the scope of theapplication, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. Inreading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,”“at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intentionto limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to thecontrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “aportion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire itemunless specifically stated to the contrary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for species concentration spatialreconstruction for an exhaust system comprising: an emitter coupled to afirst portion of the exhaust system, the emitter including a specificwavelength of a species to be measured; a detector coupled to a secondportion of the exhaust system, opposite to the first portion, andpositioned to detect a beam attenuation of a beam from the emitter; anda controller configured to receive a plurality of beam attenuationmeasurements from the detector and to generate a cross-sectional speciesconcentration map based on the plurality of beam attenuationmeasurements.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the emitter is tuned tothe specific wavelength of the species to be measured.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the species is ammonia.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the first portion and the second portion of the exhaust systemeach comprise an interrogation window.
 5. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: an outer exhaust tube portion and an inner exhaust tubeportion, wherein the emitter and the detector are coupled to the outerexhaust tube portion, and wherein the inner exhaust tube portioncomprises a plurality of inner interrogation windows at predeterminedangular locations of the inner exhaust tube portion.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the outer exhaust tube portion is rotatable relative tothe inner exhaust tube portion.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further configured to generate a sinogram based on theplurality of beam attenuation measurements, the cross-sectional speciesconcentration map based on the generated sinogram.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the cross-sectional species concentration map is basedon an inverse Radon Transform of the generated sinogram
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the exhaust system comprises a catalyst.
 10. The systemof claim 1, wherein emitter is an IR-laser.
 11. An apparatus for NH₃concentration spatial reconstruction for an exhaust system comprising:an emitter coupled to a first portion of the exhaust system, the emittertuned to a specific wavelength of NH₃; a detector coupled to a secondportion of the exhaust system, opposite to the first portion, andpositioned to detect a beam attenuation of a beam from the emitter; anda controller configured to receive a plurality of beam attenuationmeasurements from the detector and to generate a cross-sectional NH₃concentration map based on the plurality of beam attenuationmeasurements.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first portionand the second portion of the exhaust system each comprise aninterrogation window.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising:an outer exhaust tube portion and an inner exhaust tube portion, whereinthe emitter and the detector are coupled to the outer exhaust tubeportion, and wherein the inner exhaust tube portion comprising aplurality of inner interrogation windows at predetermined angularlocations of the inner exhaust tube portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the outer exhaust tube portion is rotatable relative to theinner exhaust tube portion.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein thecontroller is further configured to generate a sinogram based on theplurality of beam attenuation measurements, the cross-sectional NH₃concentration map based on the generated sinogram.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the cross-sectional species concentration map is basedon an inverse Radon Transform of the generated sinogram
 17. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the exhaust system comprises catalyst.18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein emitter is an IR-laser.
 19. Amethod for species concentration spatial reconstruction for an exhaustsystem comprising: receiving a plurality of beam attenuationmeasurements from a detector coupled to an exhaust system, the detectordetecting a beam attenuation of an emitter tuned to a specificwavelength of a species to be measured; generating a sinogram based onthe plurality of beam attenuation measurements; generating across-sectional species concentration map based on an inverse RadonTransform of the generated sonogram; outputting data for the generatedcross-sectional species concentration map to an output device.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the species is NH₃.
 21. The method of claim20, wherein the emitter is an IR-laser.
 22. The method of claim 21,wherein the plurality of beam attenuation measurements from the detectorare at a position upstream of a catalyst.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein at least some of the plurality of beam attenuation measurementsare taken at a plurality of predetermined angles relative the exhaustsystem.
 24. A tangible computer-readable storage medium havingexecutable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to: process a received plurality of beamattenuation measurements from a detector coupled to an exhaust system,the detector detecting a beam attenuation of an emitter tuned to aspecific wavelength of a species to be measured; generate a sinogrambased on the plurality of beam attenuation measurements; and generate across-sectional species concentration map based on an inverse RadonTransform of the generated sinogram.
 25. The tangible computer-readablestorage medium of claim 24, having executable instructions storedthereon that further cause the processor to: output data for thegenerated cross-sectional species concentration map to a diagnosticsystem.
 26. The tangible computer-readable storage medium of claim 25,wherein the species is ammonia or HNCO, the emitter is an IR-laser, andthe plurality of beam attenuation measurements from the detector are ata position upstream of a catalyst.